Apparatus and method for detecting liquid level in a clear or partially clear container

ABSTRACT

A trap bowl is provided to accumulate liquid droplets from a filter, as a liquid content. The trap bowl includes a transparent vertical prism. The transparent vertical prism includes a face that forms a vertical transparent surface facing against a content of the section. The face can provide a first angle of total reflection when content of the section is a type of gas, and a second angle of total reflection when the content of the section is the liquid content. A light source may emit a light beam incident on the face at an angle of incidence. The angle of incidence results in reflection of the light beam, striking the light receiver, when the face has the first angle of total reflection, and results in refraction of the light beam, missing the light receiver, when the face has the second angle of total reflection.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/460,334, filed Mar. 16, 2017 which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/331,117, filed May 3, 2016 the contentsof which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to the removal (e.g.,filtering) and collection in a container or trap of liquid particlesfrom sampled inspiratory gas flow of a patient breathing circuitaffiliated with a ventilator and/or therapeutic gas delivery system(e.g., inhaled nitric oxide gas delivery system).

BACKGROUND

An array of patients can benefit from receiving therapeutic vas (e.g.,nitric oxide gas) in inspiratory breathing gas flow. The therapeutic gascan be delivered, for example, from a breathing circuit affiliated witha ventilator (e.g., constant flow ventilator, variable flow ventilator,high frequency ventilator, bi-level positive airway pressure ventilatoror BiPAP ventilator, etc.). In operation, therapeutic gas may beinjected into the inspiratory breathing gas flowing in the breathingcircuit of the ventilator device. This inhaled therapeutic gas is oftenprovided via a therapeutic gas delivery system at a constantconcentration, which is provided based on proportional delivery of thetherapeutic gas to the breathing gas. Further, a sampling system (e gaffiliated the therapeutic gas delivery system) may continuously draw inthe inspiratory breathing gas flow to at least confirm that the desireddose of the therapeutic gas in the inspiratory breathing gas flow isbeing delivered to the patient. Example operation can include a samplepump pulling in inspiratory flow (e.g., in the near vicinity of thepatient) to confirm that the desired therapeutic gas concentration is infact being delivered to the patient.

One such therapeutic gas is inhaled nitric oxide (iNO), which can beused as a therapeutic gas to produce vasodilatory effect on patients.When inhaled, iNO acts to dilate blood vessels in the lungs, improvingoxygenation of the blood and, for example, reducing pulmonaryhypertension. Accordingly, nitric oxide is provided in inspiratorybreathing gases for patients with various pulmonary pathologiesincluding, but not limited to, hypoxic respiratory failure (HRF) andpersistent pulmonary hypertension (PPH). The actual administration ofiNO is generally carried out by introduction into the patient as a gasalong with other normal inhalation gases. For example, iNO can beintroduced, from an iNO delivery system, into the inspiratory flow of apatient breathing circuit affiliated with a ventilator.

Separately and/or in conjunction with iNO, patients may receiveinspiratory breathing gas flow containing liquid particles (e.g.,nebulized medical solutions and suspensions, moisture from humidifiedair, etc.) and/or other particles. However, as described above, iNOdelivery systems may include a sampling system to confirm dosing of iNObeing delivered to the patient. Liquid particles in the inspiratorybreathing flow, even though they may provide additional benefit to thepatient, may contaminate the sampling system (e.g., gas analyzers)Accordingly, at times, there is a need to filter the sampled inspiratorybreathing gas flow of liquid particles and/or other particles, forpurposes such as mitigating contamination of the gas sampling system.

Associated with filtering liquid particles from the inspiratorybreathing flow, there is a need to trap the liquid particles that areremoved. Various configurations of such traps, and various techniquesdirected to detecting the fluid level in the traps, are known.Additional desired features of the level detection may include tolerancefor various orientations of the trap, ability to detect properinstallation of the trap, simplicity, and ready adaptability todifferent capacities of traps. Accordingly, there is a need for animproved apparatus and method to trap, and detect accumulated levels ofliquid particles filtered from inspiratory breathing gas flow beingprovided to a patient in need thereof.

SUMMARY

Generally speaking, aspects of the present disclosure relate tofiltration apparatuses and methods to remove liquid particles from a gasstream containing humidity, water vapor, nebulized liquid or otherliquid components. Particulates may also be removed. More specifically,aspects of the present disclosure relate to filtration devices andmethods to remove liquid particles and/or particles from sampledinspiratory gas flow of a patient breathing circuit affiliated with aventilator and/or therapeutic gas delivery system (e.g., inhaled nitricoxide gas delivery system).

One or more disclosed embodiments pertain to a filter trap apparatusthat, in aspect, can include a trap bowl configured to accumulate liquiddroplets from a filter, as a liquid content, and that can have orprovide an associated transparent circumferential prism. The face, in anaspect, can form a circumferential interior surface of the trap bowl.The face, according to one or more implementations, can provide a firstangle of total reflection when the gas is against the circumferentialinterior surface, and a second angle of total reflection when the liquidcontent is against the circumferential interior surface. In an aspect,the filter trap apparatus can also include a light source that can beconfigured to emit a light beam incident on the face at an angle ofincidence, and can include a light receiver. In an aspect, the index ofoptical refraction of the transparent circumferential prism can beselected such that the angle of incidence provides reflection of thelight beam, so as to strike the light receiver, when the face has thefirst angle of total reflection, and can provide retraction of the lightbeam, so as to miss the light receiver, when the face has the secondangle of total reflection.

In an aspect, a filter trap apparatus can further include the filter.According to additional aspects, the filter can include an ingresspassage, an egress passage, and an intermediate passage. In one or moreimplementations, the filter can be configured to receive at the ingresspassage samples of a therapeutic gas, remove the liquid droplets fromthe therapeutic gas to form a filtered therapeutic gas, and to deliverthe liquid droplets through the intermediate passage, and output thefiltered therapeutic gas from the gas egress passage.

In an aspect, the face can be an upper face, and the circumferentialinterior surface of the trap bowl can be, or can form, an uppercircumferential interior surface. The transparent circumferential prism,according to one or more additional aspects, can also include a lowerface, and the lower face can form a lower circumferential interiorsurface of the trap bowl. In or more implementations, the upper face andthe lower face can form an included angle that, in an aspect, can openoutwardly, circumferentially around the trap bowl. In an additionalaspect, the upper face and the lower face can intersect at a vertex thatcan be circumferential around the trap bowl. In an exemplary aspect, theangle can be arranged symmetrically about a reference bisector linethat, in turn, can extend outwardly from the vertex.

According to one or more implementations, the light source can beconfigured to emit the light beam as a collimated light beam, and toemit the collimated light beam in a direction approximately parallel tothe reference bisector line. In an aspect, irrespective of rotationalorientation of the trap howl, the angle of incidence results inreflection of the light beam, striking the light receiver, when the facehas the first angle of total reflection, and results in refraction ofthe light beam, missing the light receiver, when the face has the secondangle of total reflection. In an aspect, the reference bisector line canextend in a reference cone that is circumferential about the trap bowland contains the vertex. Further to one or more implementations, theincluded angle can be approximately 90 degrees. Also, in one or moreimplementations, the angle of incidence can be approximately 45 degrees.

In an aspect, the transparent circumferential prism can further includea light beam receiving face. In one related aspect, the collimated lightbeam can be incident to the tight beam receiving face at a point ofincidence, in an arrangement where a reference plane tangential to thelight beam receiving face at the point of incidence normal to thecollimated light beam. The light beam receiving face, in one or moreimplementations, can be a bevel that extends circumferentially around anouter surface of the trap bowl.

One or more disclosed additional embodiments also pertain to a filtertrap apparatus that, in an aspect, can include a trap bowl configured toaccumulate liquid droplets from a filter, as a liquid content. In anaspect, the trap bowl can include a section that extends in a verticaldirection, and can include a transparent vertical prism. The transparentvertical prism can, according to an aspect, include a face that can forma vertical transparent surface facing against a content of the section.In an additional aspect, the face can be configured to provide a firstangle of total reflection when content of the section is a gas, and asecond angle of total reflection when the content of the section is theliquid content. An exemplary filter trap apparatus according to one orimplementations can also include a light source, configured to emit alight beam incident on the face at an angle of incidence, and a lightreceiver. In an aspect, the angle of incidence, in combination withcertain relations or ratios of indices of optical refraction, canprovide reflection of the light beam, so as to strike the lightreceiver, when the face has the first angle of total reflection, andprovide refraction of the light beam, so as to miss the light receiver,when the face has the second angle of total reflection.

In one or more implementations, the filter trap apparatus can alsoinclude an adjustable emitter/receiver support that can include asupport element configured to attach to the optic emitter/receiver. Inan aspect, the adjustable emitter/receiver support can also include aselectively actuated elevating support that supports the opticemitter/receiver at a selective elevation in the vertical direction.

In an aspect, the face can be a first face, and the vertical transparentsurface can be a first vertical transparent surface. According to anadditional aspect, the transparent vertical prism can further include asecond face, and the second face can form a second vertical transparentsurface facing against the content of the section. In an aspect, thesecond face can also provide the first angle of total reflection whenthe content of the section is the gas, and the second angle of totalreflection when the content of the section is the liquid content.

One or more disclosed embodiments pertain to a filter trap apparatusthat, in aspect, can include trap bowl configured to accumulate liquiddroplets from a filter, as a liquid content. In an aspect, the trap bowlcan include a transparent circular section that can extend in a verticaldirection. The transparent circular section, according to one or moreaspects, cart be formed of a material having an optical index ofrefraction. In one implementation, the filter trap apparatus can includean offset light source, configured to emit a light beam that is incidenton an outer surface of the transparent circular section. In an aspect,at a point of incidence, the light beam can include a vector componentparallel to a reference line that is tangential to the point ofincidence, in combination with a vector component that is normal to thereference line at the point of incidence. According to one or moreimplementations, the filter trap apparatus can include an offset lightreceiver. As described above, in one or more aspects, the material forthe transparent circular section can be formed of a material having aparticularly selected optical index of refraction. Such aspects caninclude selecting the optical index of refraction such that, when a gascontent is against the transparent section, the light beam is refractedalong a first path, and when the liquid content is against thetransparent section the light beam is refracted along a second path,wherein the first path is incident on the light receiver, and the secondpath misses the light receiver.

Other features and aspects of the disclosure will be apparent from thefollowing detailed description, the drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the present disclosure will be more fullyunderstood with reference to the following, detailed description whentaken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein:

FIG. 1A illustrates a front cross sectional view of One implementationof a filter and fill level detecting trap assembly, including acircumferential prism and angled light beam emitter/detector, accordingto one or more embodiments, and an example aspect of return reflectionby the circumferential prism in response to an operational fill level;

FIG. 1B illustrates an elevation view, from the FIG. 1A cut-planeprojection 2-2, of a portion of the FIG. 1A trap bowl, showing an upperprism face of an exemplary circumferential prism according to or moreembodiments;

FIG. 1C illustrates the filter and fill level detecting trap assembly ofFIG. 1A, with an example over-maximum fill level of fluid in the trapbowl, and a resulting detection by refracted non-return of the angledlight beam, according to or more embodiments;

FIG. 2 illustrates, by partially exploded view, from the same projectionas FIG. 1A, an example separation of the trap bowl includingcircumferential prism according to one or more embodiments, separatedfrom the filter housing of the FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3 illustrates an elevation view, from the FIG. 1A cut-planeprojection 1-1, of one exemplary trap bowl attachment structureaccording to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 4 shows a block representation of exemplary operations in a processof administering a gas therapy to a patient, including verifying trapbowl installation and fill level, in a method for delivery of therapygas to a patient in accordance with one or more embodiments;

FIG. 5 illustrates a front cross sectional view of one implementation ofa filter and trap assembly, including a fill level and trap howlalignment detection by vertical prism and light beam, according to oneor more embodiments, and certain features of example return reflectionof the light beam in response to an operational fill level and properlyinstalled trap bowl;

FIG. 6 shows one perspective view of an exemplary trap bowl withvertical prism, of the filter and an trap bowl assembly shown in FIG. 5, according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view from the FIG. 5 projection3-3, without depiction of the light beam;

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view from the FIG. 5 projection3-3, without depiction of the light beam the example aspect shown inFIG. 5 of return reflection of the light beam in response to anoperational fill level and properly installed trap bowl;

FIG. 9 illustrates, from the same front cross sectional view as FIG. 5 ,an example over fill state, and portions of a corresponding refractingnon-return of the light beam, according to one or more exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 10 illustrates a projection view, from the FIG. 9 projection 4-4,of the refracting non-return of the light beam, in response to theexample over-filled state of a properly installed trap bowl according toone or more corresponding embodiments;

FIG. 11A illustrates a projection view, from the FIG. 5 projection 3-3,of one example implementation of a filter and vertical prism trap bowlassembly, including an offset optical detector, directed to detection offill level and trap bowl installation, according to one or moreembodiments. FIGS. 11B and 11C illustrate, from the same projection asFIG. 11A, additional capabilities that can be provided by the an offsetoptical detector;

FIG. 12 illustrates a projection view, from the projection 3-3 of FIG. 5, of another implementation of a filter and trap assembly, including anoffset emitter beam, and offset detector, providing a refraction basedfill level detection according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 13 shows a block flow representation of exemplary operations in aprocess, performed on or more of the FIG. 11A, 11B, 11C and FIG. 12implementations, of detecting example trap bowl fill states, in a methodfor delivery of therapy gas to a patient in accordance with one or moreembodiments; and

FIG. 14 illustratively depicts aspects of one exemplary implementationof a filter and level detecting trap assembly in a breathing gas supplyapparatus, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure generally relates to trapping specific materialssuspended in or otherwise carried by a gas that, upon removal byspecialized filtration and collection in a trap container, aggregateinto a liquid state. The specific materials to be removed and collectedin the trap container can include, for example, water vapor, otherliquids in a vapor state, other nebulized liquids, nebulized medicalsolutions and suspensions, etc. In some implementations, the removal andtrapping of the materials can be in the context of delivery oftherapeutic gas to patients (e.g., patients receiving breathing gas,which can include nitric acid and other therapeutic gas, from aventilator circuit). For example, implementations can include removal ofsuch specific materials from a sample of a breathing gas passing throughan inspiratory limb, prior to passing the sample through a samplingdevice. The sampling device can be configured to continuously confirm atleast dosing (e.g., nitric oxide concentration, etc.) as well as otherparameters (e.g., nitrogen dioxide concentration, oxygen concentration,etc.). can be installed in between the source of breathing gas and thesampling device, which may reduce contamination, for example, improvingoperation and/or longevity of the sampling device.

The concept of filtering suspended or entrained water vapor or otherliquid components before a sample gas reaches a sampling device may bereferred to at times as a “water trap,” or “filter trap.” However, thepresent disclosure relates to some implementations that can remove morethan just water, such as, for example, various nebulized medications.

The terms liquid particles and/or particles are used herein in theirbroadest to encompass any and all of particles, liquid or solid, organicor inorganic, which could be in the gas flow such as, but not limitedto, nebulized medical solutions and suspensions, aerosols, moisture fromhumidified air, or other contaminants present in patient breathingcircuit resulting from treatments delivered via the breathing circuit.At times the term liquid particles, particles, matter, or the like areused individually or to refer to a common group of material to beremoved.

The terms “filter” and “filtration” are used herein in their broadestsense to encompass any and all of various types and degrees of removalor separation of liquid from gas, and may also include removal of othernon-liquid particulates if present in some cases.

FIG. 1A illustrates a front cross sectional view of one implementationof a filter and fill level detecting trap assembly 100, including acircumferential prism and light beam emitter/detector, according to oneor more embodiments. FIG. 1A additionally illustrates an example aspectof return reflection by the circumferential prism, according to one ormore embodiments, in response to an operational fill level.

Referring to FIG. 1A, the filter and fill level detecting trap assembly100 can include a filter housing 102, shaped and dimensioned to hold afilter, such as the example filter 104, arranged above a trap bowl 106.Operations of the filter 104 can include receiving, through a filteringress passage 108, a sample of a therapeutic gas, then removing liquidfrom the sample as liquid droplets LD and depositing them in the traphowl 106, then expelling the filtered sample gas out of a filter egresspassage 110. The filter 104 can include a filter first intermediatepassage 112 allowing the liquid the liquid droplets LD to call into thetrap bowl, and a filter second intermediate passage 114 for passage ofthe sample gas from the trap howl 108 and out through the filter egresspassage 110. Example flow of sample gas through the filter 104, andassociated filling of the trap bowl 106 with liquid droplets LD, isdescribed in greater detail later. Further detailed description ofinternal structure of the filter 104, though, is not necessary forpersons of skill to attain an understanding of concepts of thedisclosure that is sufficient to make and use examples employing one ormore one or more embodiments, and is therefore omitted.

It will be understood that the FIG. 1A illustrated shape and relativedimension of the filter housing 102 and filter 104 are only for purposesof example, and are not intended to the scope of this disclosure or theimplementations for practicing according to its concepts.

Referring to FIG. 1A, in one or more implementations the trap bowl 106can include a circumferential prism 116. In an associated aspect, atleast such portions of the trap bowl 06 forming the circumferentialprism 116 can be transparent.

It will be understood that “transparent,” in the context of the trapbowl 106, is not limited to “see-through” visibility to the naked eye.For example, persons of ordinary skill will understand thattransmittance that is within the meaning of “transparent can depend, atleast in part, factors such as intensity of collimated light beam CB,length of the optical path (determined at least in part by the thicknessand size of the trap bowl 106), cross-sectional dimensions of thecircumferential prism 116, and sensitivity of the light detector portionof the optical transmitter/receiver 118.

In one implementation, the circumferential prism 116 can be integral tothe trap bowl 106, for example, as a particular configuration ofexternal surfaces of the trap bowl 106, as shown in FIG. 1A. In otherimplementations, of which examples are described in greater detail laterin this disclosure, the circumferential prism 116 can be formedseparately and attached to the trap bowl 106.

In an aspect, the circumferential prism 116 can include an upper prismface 116U, and a lower prism face 116L that can form, viewed in crosssection, a V-shaped arrangement of circumferential faces forming anincluded angle θ1 that opens in an outward direction, symmetricallyabout a bisector line BL, from a vertex 120V.

FIG. 1B illustrates an elevation view, from the FIG. 1A cut-planeprojection 2-2, of a portion of the FIG. 1A trap bowl 106, showing thecircumferential configuration of the upper prism face 116U and thevertex 116V. Viewed from the FIG. 1A cut-plane projection 2-2 the lowerprism face 116L, although not explicitly visible, is under and alignedwith the upper prism face 116U.

Referring to FIG. 1A, the filter and fill level detecting trap assembly100 can include an optical transmitter/receiver 118 that can beconfigured, for example, to both emit a collimated light beam(hereinafter “CB”), and detect receipt of such light. In an aspect, theoptical transmitter/receiver 118 can be configured and arranged to emitCB in a direction parallel to, or approximately parallel to the bisectorBL of the included angle θ1 between the upper prism face 116U and lowerprism face 116L. In an aspect, the trap bowl 106 can have an exteriorlight beam receiving face 106A, for receiving CB from the emitter of theoptical transmitted/receiver 118. The exterior light beam receiving face106A, for example, can be a circumferential bevel. The circumferentialbevel can be configured perpendicular to the bisector line BL. Since CBis parallel or approximately parallel to the bisector line BL, CB willstrike the exterior light beam receiving face 106A (i.e., thecircumferential bevel) at a normal incidence, which will avoidrefraction of the CB. The collimated beam CB will therefore proceed tostrike the upper prism face 116U at an angle of incidence θ2 that isapproximately one-half of the included angle θ1.

An example selection of the optical refraction index, which will bereferred to as “N1,” for the material forming the transparent portion ofthe trap bowl 106 through which CB passes, to provide detection of thetop surface TSL rising above the circumferential prism 116 will now bedescribed.

Referring to FIG. 1A, until the top surface TSL of the trapped liquid TLreaches the upper prism face 116U, the substance within the trap bowl106 against that upper prism face 116U will be air, or another gas,without substantial water content. The index of optical refraction ofdry air or a dry gas will be referred to as “N2,” For purposes of thisdescription, N2 will be approximated as integer 1. When the surface TSLof the trapped liquid TL reaches the upper prism face 116U, water oranother liquid having an index of optical refraction similar towater—which will be referred to as “N3,” will be against the upper prismface. For purposes of this description, assuming the trapped liquid TLis water, N3 can be approximated as 1.5.

According to Snell's Law, if the angle of incidence θ2 of CB to theupper prism face 116U meets or exceeds the total reflection angle,“TFA,” as defined in Equation (1) below, CB will be totally reflectedfrom the upper prism face 116U, and will depart as a first totallyreflected light beam (hereinafter “CBF”):TFA=Sin⁻¹(N3/N1)  Equation (1)

For purposes of illustration, an example θ1 value of approximately 90degrees will be assumed, e.g., the upper prism face 116U beingapproximately perpendicular to the lower prism face 116L. Therefore,assuming CB is aligned with the bisecting line BL, the angle ofincidence θ2 will be one-half of θ1, i.e., approximately 45 degrees.

The necessary value of N3 that will result in total internal reflectionof CB (on the assumption that θ2 is approximately 45 degrees) can besolved by plugging 45 degrees and N1=1 into Equation (1), as follows45=Sin⁻¹(1/N3)→Sin(45)=1/N3→N3=1/Sin(45)≈1/0.707, or 1.41

Accordingly, if the index of refraction of the transparent material ofthe trap bowl 108 through which CB passes to hit the upper prism face116U is greater than 1.41, CB will be totally reflected from the upperprism face 116U.

For purposes of illustration, transparent polycarbonate, having anoptical index of refraction of approximately 1.6, will be used as anexample transparent material of the trap bowl 106 through which CBpasses to hit the upper prism face 116U. Since 1.6 is greater than 1.41,CB will be totally reflected by the upper prism face 116U. In fact,plugging N3=1.6 and N1=1 into Equation (1) yields the following valuefor the total reflection angle TFA:Sin⁻¹(1/1.6)≈38.5 degrees.

As described above, the angle of departure of CBF from the upper prismface 116U is the same as θ2, approximately 45 degrees. Since, in theFIG. 1A example, the upper prism face 116L and lower prism face 116U areperpendicular, CBF strikes the lower prism face 116L with an angle ofincidence the same as θ2, i.e., approximately 45 degrees, Assuming theupper surface TSL of the trapped liquid TL has not reached the lowerprism face 116L, CBF will therefore be totally reflected by the lowerprism face 116L, departing as the second totally reflected light beam(hereinafter “CBS”). The angle of departure (visible, but not separatelylabeled) for CBS is the same as θ2, i.e., approximately 45 degrees.Accordingly, CBS will return and strike the optical receiver (notseparately visible in FIG. 1A) of the optical transmitter/receiver 118.

FIG. 1C illustrates the filter and fill level detecting trap assembly ofFIG. 1A, with an example over-maximum fill level the fluid IL in thetrap bowl 106, and a resulting refracted path of CB. Referring to FIG.1C, in the depicted over-maximum fill state the substance of TL againstthe upper prism face 116U will be water or a similar characteristicfluid, having an index of refraction N2 of approximately 1.5. Continuingwith polycarbonate (with an N3 of approximately 1.6) being the materialforming the transparent region of the trap bowl 110 and substituting N2for N1, Equation (1) yields the following value for the total reflectionangle of CB in the FIG. 1C over-maximum state:Total Reflection (over-fill state)=Sin⁻¹(1.5/1.6)≈70 degrees.

Since 45 degrees is less than 70 degrees, CB will not be totallyreflected from the upper prism face 116U and, instead, will continueinto the fluid TL as a refracted beam (hereinafter “CRB, as labeled inthe figures). Accordingly, no light beam will return to the opticalreceiver of the optical transmitter/receiver 118.

In an aspect, the trap bowl 106 having the circumferential prism 116 canbe selectively removed from the filter housing 102 for servicing orreplacement. FIG. 2 illustrates, by partially exploded view of thefilter and fill level detecting trap assembly 100, a removing of thetrap bowl 106 from the filter housing 102. In an aspect, selectiveattachment and removal of the trap bowl 106 from the filter housing 102can be provided, for example, by mechanical cooperation of a trap bowlattachment feature of the trap housing 102 and an upper attachmentportion of the trap bowl 106.

One example structure for a trap bowl attachment feature of the filterhousing 102 will be described in reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 3 ,where FIG. 1C illustrates an elevation view, from the FIG. 1A cut-planeprojection 2-2. Referring to FIGS. 1A and 3 , in an aspect, a trap bowlattachment member 120 can be provided on a lower portion of the filterhousing 102. One implementation of the trap bowl attachment member 120can include a circular outer wall 122 (centered at CR) that, as seen inFIG. 1A, can project a distance D1 in a direction DR, and can have aradius R1, extending radially from the center CR. The direction DR canbe, for example, “downward,” i.e., toward earth.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, in an aspect, the trap bowl 106 caninclude an upper attachment portion 106A that can form a circularreceptacle 106S having a radius R2, and depth D2. In an aspect,mechanical cooperation of the circular receptacle 106S and the circularouter wall 122 can be provided by setting the radius R2 slightly largerthan R1, configuring outer threads (not explicitly visible in thefigures) on the circular outer wall 122, and configuring correspondinginner threads on the circular receptacle 106S. For convenience, theouter threads on the circular outer wall 122, and corresponding innerthreads on the circular receptacle surface 106S can be referencedcollectively as “trap bowl attachment threads” (not explicitly visiblein the figures). Whether the trap bowl attachment threads are “lefthand” or “right hand” can be application-specific and, at least in part,may be a design choice.

In an aspect, the trap bowl 106 can be removed or separated as shown inFIG. 2 by rotating the trap bowl 106 in a first rotational direction(i.e. counter-clockwise or clockwise) until it separates from the filterhousing 102. The trap bowl 106 can be replaced by aligning the circularouter wall 122 with the circular receptacle 106S, urging the trap bowlattachment threads into engagement, and rotating the trap bowl 106 in anopposite or second rotational direction (i.e., clockwise orcounter-clockwise).

Referring to FIG. 1A, in one implementation at least one seal receivinggroove (such as the representative example seal groove 124) can beformed in the circular outer wall 122, or the circular receptacle 106S,or both. The seal groove 124 or equivalent can be shaped and dimensionedto provide support for a corresponding liquid-tight seal member, such asthe representative example liquid-tight seal member 126. One exampleimplementation of the liquid-tight seal member 126 can include aconventional “O ring.”

As described above, the filter 104 can be configured with filter ingresspassage 108, filter first intermediate passage 112, filter secondintermediate passage 114, and filter egress passage 110. In one or moreimplementations, the filter housing 102 can include a filter housingingress passage 128 and a filter housing egress passage 130. In anaspect, the filter housing 102 and filter 104 can be configured suchthat the filter housing ingress passage 128 substantially aligns withthe filter ingress passage 108, and the filter housing egress passage130 substantially aligns with the filter egress passage 110.

Referring to FIG. 1A, example operations of the filter 104, andresulting filling of the trap bowl 106 will be described. Forconvenience, FIG. 1A has a superposed diagram of a therapeutic gas flow,labeled in sections as “GF,” “GI,” and “GT.” Also for convenience indescription, the gas flow section GF, will be referred to as “unfilteredgas OF,” the gas flow section GI will be referred to as “intermediatefiltered gas GI,” and the gas flow section GT will be referred to as“final filtered gas GT. Operations can include unfiltered gas GFentering the filter housing ingress passage 128, and passing into filteringress passage 108, whereupon a first operation of the filter 104,which can be performed by structures and operations not explicitlyvisible in FIG. 1A, can remove some or all of the liquid particles fromthe therapeutic gas. The resulting intermediate filtered gas GI can thenexit through filter first intermediate passage 112 and enter a remainingcapacity space RC within the trap bowl 106. Falling downward through thefilter first intermediate passage 112 and onto the top surface TSL canbe liquid droplets LD that are removed from the unfiltered gas GF toobtain the intermediate filtered gas GI. Urged by pressure forcing theintermediate filtered gas GI into the remaining capacity space RC, theintermediate filtered gas GI can enter the filter second intermediatepassage 114. In an aspect, the intermediate filtered gas GI can thenpass through additional filtering structure (not visible in FIG. 1A)within the filter 104 to achieve the final filtered gas GT, which exitsthrough the filter egress passage 110 and filter housing egress passage130. In one alternative implementation, all or substantially all of theliquid removal function of the filter 104 can be performed prior to theintermediate filtered gas GI exiting the filter first intermediatepassage 112.

FIG. 4 shows a block flow 400 that represents exemplary operations in aprocess of verifying trap bowl installation and liquid level, in amethod for delivery of therapy gas to a patient in accordance with oneor more embodiments. For convenience, example performances of certainoperations in the flow 400 will be described in reference to FIGS.1A-1D. Referring to FIG. 4 , operations in the flow 400 can start at astart event 402 and then proceed to decision block 404. Examples of astart event can include powering on a therapeutic gas delivery system,such as the example system 1400 described in reference to FIG. 14 laterin this disclosure. In an aspect, operations in the start event 402 caninclude, for example, applying power to the transmitted/receiver 118, toemit the collimated beam CB.

Flow 400 can proceed from decision block 404 according to whether areflected light beam is received. All illustration, operations at 404can include determining whether FIG. 1A optical transmitted/receiver 118received the reflected CBS beam. A “YES” indicates a trap bowl such asthe trap bowl 106 is installed and has an operational level (e.g.,anywhere from empty to just below maximum fill) of fluid, such as thefluid IL. The flow 400 can then proceed to 406 and perform operations ofreceiving a sample gas, e.g., from the therapeutic gas being deliveredto the patient, then proceeding to 408 to determine whether thereflected light beam is still being received. If the answer at 408 is“YES,” the flow can loop back to 406. It will be understood that theloop arrangement of blocks 406 and 408 does not necessarily mean asequential loop. For example blocks 406 and 408 can represent a“continue until” process, e.g., continue receiving a sample gas until aninterruption by, for example a cessation of receipt of the reflectedlight beam. Upon receiving, or affirmatively detecting a “NO” at 408,the flow 400 can proceed to 410 notify a user or attendant to empty thetrap container, e.g., remove the trap bowl 106, empty it, and re-installit. The flow 400 can then return to 404 and, assuming the repeat theoperations described above.

Example operations described above assume a “YES” at decision block 404.A “NO” at 404 indicates no receipt of the reflected light beam, e.g.,optical transmitted/receiver 118 not received CBS beam. In one exampleresolution process, the flow can proceed to 412 and notify the user orattendant to each if the trap bowl is installed. If the user orattendant observes that the trap bowl is not installed, the flow 400 canproceed to 414 and await indication (e.g. pressing a user interfacebutton) that the trap bowl has been installed, whereupon the flow 400can return to 404. If the user or attendant observes, at 412, that thetrap bowl is (or at least appears) installed, the flow 400 can proceedto 416 and notify the user or attendant to check if the trap bowl levelis too high. For example, the user or attendant may check visually, ifthe trap bowl transparent portion described above is visiblytransparent. If the user or attendant observes that the trap bowl is atan over-fill state, the flow 400 can proceed to 418 and await indication(e.g. pressing another user interface button) that the trap bowl hasbeen emptied and re-installed, whereupon the flow 400 can return to 404.If at 416 the user or attendant observes, or otherwise determines thatthe trap bowl is not in an over-fill state, upon receipt from the useror attendant of such observation (e.g. pressing another user interfacebutton), the flow 400 may proceed to 418 and generate a notice for aservice check,

FIG. 5 illustrates a front cross sectional view of one implementation ofa filter and trap assembly 500, including trap howl 502 with verticalprism 504, and another optical emitter/receiver 506 according to one ormore embodiments, FIG. 5 also illustrates in part, by superposed view(labeled “LB1”) of incident and reflect light beam, an example aspect,according to one or more embodiments, of vertical prism detection ofboth operational fill level and properly installed trap bowl. FIG. 6shows one perspective view of the exemplary trap bowl 502 with verticalprism 504, of the filter and a trap bowl assembly shown in FIG. 5according to one or more embodiments. FIG. 7 illustrates, from the FIG.5 projection 4-4, a cross-sectional view of the exemplary trap bowl 502with vertical prism 504, omitting visible representation of a light beamfrom the optical emitter/receiver 506. FIG. 8 illustrates the FIG. 7view, overlaid with graphical depiction of an example collimated lightbeam CLB generated by the optical emitter/receiver 506, as well assubsequent reflections back to the optical emitter/receiver 506, as willbe described in greater detail later.

To focus on aspects and features shown departing from the filter andfill level detecting trap assembly 100, the filter and trap assembly 500will be described assuming the same filter housing 102 and filter 104 asdescribed in reference to FIGS. 1A-3 . Similarly, it can be assumed thatthe trap bowl 502 with vertical prism 504 can have or can providestructure comparable to the circular receptacle 106S, for example, withinner threads (not explicitly visible in FIG. 5 ) configured tocooperate with threads, as described above, on the circular outer wall(visible in part in FIG. 5 , but not separately labeled).

In an aspect, the filter and trap assembly 500 can include an adjustableemitter/receiver support 508 that can include a support element 510configured to attach to the optic emitter/receiver 506. In oneimplementation, the adjustable emitter/receiver support 508 can includea lead screw 510, and the support element 510 can be a threaded sleeve(not explicitly visible in FIG. 5 secured to optic emitter/receiver 506and through which the lead screw 510 can pass in a threaded engagement.In an aspect, the adjustable emitter/receiver support 508 can include aselectively actuated elevating support (not explicitly visible in FIG. 5). The selectively actuated elevating support, for example, can be servomotor (not explicitly visible in FIG. 5A), or manual actuation mechanism(not explicitly visible in FIG. 5A), or both, configured to selectivelyrotate the lead screw 510, as indicated by the directed arrow AR.Exemplary operation of the adjustable emitter/receiver support 508 isshown by a lower positioned phantom image, labeled 506′, of the opticemitter/receiver 506.

Referring to FIG. 6 , in an aspect the vertical prism 504 can beintegral to the trap bowl 502, e.g., cast together in an injection mold.In another aspect, the trap bowl 502 can be formed sequentially as aninterim trap bowl without the vertical prism 504, followed by attaching,e.g., by a transparent adhesive (not explicitly visible in FIG. 5 ) toan inner surface (visible in part in FIG. 6 but not separately numbered)of the interim trap bowl.

Referring to FIG. 7 the vertical prism 504 can be configured with afirst vertical prism face 504L, and a second vertical prism face 5048,that can extend vertically, in parallel to one another, and in parallelto a vertically extending center axis CVX of the trap bowl 502. In anaspect, the first vertical prism face 504L and the second vertical prismface 504R can be arranged to form an included angle θ5, opening outwardfrom a vertically extending vertex 504V. For purposes of illustration,an example value of the included angle θ5 will be picked approximately90 degrees. In an aspect, the first vertical prism face 504L and secondvertical prism face 504R can be configured such that the included angleθ5 is symmetrical about a vertical prism bisector line BVL. In addition,the first vertical prism face 504L and second vertical prism face 5048can be configured such that the vertical prism bisector line BVL extendsradially from the vertically extending center axis CVX of the trap bowl502.

Referring to FIG. 8 , in an associated aspect, the opticalemitter/receiver 506 can be configured and arranged to transmit acollimated light beam CLB that is aligned parallel to or approximatelyparallel to the vertical prism bisector line BVL. Further, referring toFIG. 5 , the optical emitter/receiver 506 can be arranged to transmitthe collimated light beam (hereinafter “CLB”) in a plane (not explicitlyvisible in FIGS. 5-8 ) that is normal to the vertically extending centeraxis CVX.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 8 , in an aspect, a transparent materialforms at least the regions of the trap bowl 502 through which CLBtravels to strike the first vertical prism face 504L, as well as theregions through which FLR and SLR travel, as will be farther describedin later paragraphs. Alternatively, the entire trap bowl 502 can beformed of transparent material.

According to an aspect, the optical emitter/receiver 506 can, bearranged such that the collimated light beam CLB strikes an outersurface of the trap bowl 502 in a direction normal to a plane (notexplicitly visible in the figures) tangential to the outer surface atthat point. Therefore, assuming (for purposes of example) the includedangle θ5 to be approximately 90 degrees, CLB will strike the firstvertical prism face 504L with an angle of incidence (visible in FIG. 8but not separately labeled) of 45 degrees. That is substantially thesame as the incidence angle θ2, at which CB strikes the upper prism face116U, i.e., angle θ2, which is 45 degrees.

FIG. 5 shows the upper surface TLS of the liquid fill TL to be below theheight at which CLB strikes the first vertical prism face 504L. Forpurposes of description, it will be assumed that at least thetransparent regions of the trap bowl 502 and its vertical prism 504 areformed of polycarbonate, as was assumed for examples described above. Asalso described above, the index of optical refraction of polycarbonatecan be approximated as 1.6. Accordingly, plugging the value 1.6 into theEquation (1) example of Snell's Law of Total. Reflection, and using theexample angle of incidence of 45 degrees, CLB will be totally internallyreflected by the first vertical prism face 504L. This will establish, asa result, the first laterally reflected beam FLR, followed by the secondlaterally reflected beam SLR, which will return and strike the opticalemitter/receiver 506.

FIG. 9 illustrates, from the same projection as FIG. 5 , operationaccording to one or more exemplary embodiments, in response to the uppersurface TLS of the liquid fill TL being at or above the point at whichCLB strikes the first vertical prism face 504L. Assuming thepolycarbonate material (N1 equal approximately 1.6) and referring toEquation (1), upon upper surface TLS of the liquid fill TL reaching thepoint where CLB strikes the first vertical prism face 504L, the TotalReflection Angie will be Sin⁻¹(1.5/1.6), which is approximately 70degrees. The angle incidence, namely 45 degrees, is less than 70degrees. Accordingly, CLB will not be totally reflected from the firstvertical prism face 504L. Instead, a substantial portion of CLB willcontinue into the fluid TL as a refracted beam (hereinafter “RFR,” aslabeled in the figures). Accordingly, whatever portion, if any, of theoriginal CLB that returns to the optical receiver of the opticaltransmitter/receiver 506 will not be detected as a return.

FIG. 10 illustrates, from the FIG. 9 projection 5-5, a cross-sectionalview of the exemplary trap bowl 502 with vertical prism 504, anothergraphical depiction of the example collimated light beam CLB andrefracted light beam RFR.

FIG. 11A illustrates a projection view, from the FIG. 5 projection. 3-3,of an example filter and vertical prism trap bowl assembly 1100. Thefilter and vertical prism trap bowl assembly 1100 can include the filterand vertical prism trap bowl assembly 500, configured in combinationwith an offset optical receiver 1102 (also labeled “S2”), and adiametrically opposed optical receiver 1104 (also labeled “S3”). Forpurposes of describing example operations, the receiver element of theoptical transmitter/receiver 506 can be alternatively referred to as“first optical receiver 506,” the offset optical receiver 1102 can bealternatively referred to “second optical receiver 1102,” anddiametrically opposed optical receiver 1104 can be alternativelyreferenced as “third optical receiver 1104.” According to variousaspects, the second optical receiver 1102 and third optical receiver1104 can provide additional state detection capability. A first examplecapability is illustrated in FIG. 11A, and is similar to capabilitydescribed above in reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 , i.e., properly installedtrap bowl 502 (namely, CLB aligned with the vertical prism bisector lineBVL of the vertical prism 504), at an operational fill level (i.e., thetop surface TLS of the liquid content TL being lower than CLB). A secondexample capability is illustrated in FIG. 11B, namely, a properlyinstalled, but over filled trap bowl 502. A third example capability candetect and resolve down to two states, namely, an improperly installed(e.g., rotated) trap bowl 502 and a missing trap bowl 502.

Referring to FIG. 11A, assuming the example values as described above inreference to FIGS. 5 and 8 the emitted collimated beam CLB will strikethe first vertical prism face 504L with an angle of incidence of 45degrees. Assuming the example index of optical refraction for thevertical prism 504 (approximately 1.6), the angle of total reflectanceis approximately 38 degrees. Accordingly, the reflections described inreference to FIGS. 5 and 8 will cause CLB to return, in substantialpart, to the optical emitter/receiver 506.

Referring to FIG. 11B, and continuing with the assumption that thevertical prism 504 has an index of optical refraction (e.g., 1.6) closeenough to the index of optical refraction of the water (e.g., 1.5), the45 degree angle of incidence will be substantially less than the Angleof Total Reflectance. A significant portion of CLB will thereforecontinue into the content of the trap bowl 502, as a first refractedbeam RF1, at an angle of refraction θ7. When the first refracted beamRF1 strikes, at point IFP, the interface of the content material of thetrap bowl point and the material of the trap bowl 502, it will berefracted again, by an angle of refraction θ8 and continue as a secondrefracted beam RF2. Assuming a correctly set offset θ6, the secondrefracted beam RF2 will strike the offset (or second) optical sensor1102.

Referring to FIG. 11C, as described above, optical transmitter/receiver506 aligns CLB with the vertical prism bisector line BVL when the trapbowl 502 is correctly installed. Therefore, when the trap bowl 502 isrotated as shown in FIG. 11C, CLB will strike the outer surface of thetrap bowl 502 in a direction substantially normal to that outer surface.Accordingly, irrespective of interfaces of different indices of opticalrefraction, CLB will pass through the center axis CVX, and therefore hitthe third optical sensor 1104. There may be ambiguity in statedetection, though. For example, if the trap bowl 502 is missing (notexplicitly shown in FIGS. 11A-11C), CLB will also continue in itsoriginal launch direction and hit the third optical sensor 1104.

FIG. 12 illustrates a projection view, from the projection 3-3 of FIG. 5, of another implementation of a filter and trap assembly, which will bereferred to as an “offset beam, refraction based filter and trapassembly 1200.” An exemplary implementation of the offset beam,refraction based filter and trap assembly 1200 can include a transparenttrap bowl. 1202 (shown in part in FIG. 12 ), an offset optical emitter1204 and offset optical detector 1206.

In an aspect, the offset optical emitter 1204 can be configured to emitan offset collimated light beam OCL, in a direction to be incident to anouter surface (visible in cross-section in FIG. 12 ) at an initialincidence point IP1. Assuming the index of optical refraction of thetrap bowl to be, for example, approximately 1.6, the collimated lightbeam is refracted and continues as RFA until it bits the interfacebetween the transparent trap bowl 1202 and its content. It will beassumed, for example, that the content of the trap bowl 1202, at theinterface, is air or another gas with an index of optical refraction ofapproximately 1. Therefore, the refracted beam RFA will be refractedagain as RFB, and continue until it hits, at IP2, the interface from thecontent of the trap bowl 1202 to the trap bowl 1202. The beam can thenproceed through refractions as RFC and RFD, until it strikes the offsetoptical receiver 1206.

The above-described sequence of refraction segments, RFA, RFB, RFC, andRFD, can be referred to as the “non-filled optical path.” If the contentof the trap bowl 1202 through which the light beam traverses is water,each of the refraction will be less. The resulting segments, labeledRXA, RXB, and RXC, result in the beam missing the offset opticalreceiver 1206. The described segments RXA, RXB, and RXC can be referredto as the “over-maximum fill state optical path.

Referring to FIG. 12 , it will be understood that an aspect of OCL isthat, at its initial incidence point IP1, it is not normal to the outersurface of the trap bowl 1202. Stated differently, OCL can have a vectorcomponent (labeled “VX”) parallel to the tangent at the initialincidence point IP1, and a vector component (labeled “VY”) that isnormal to the tangent.

FIG. 13 shows a block flow 1300, representing exemplary operations in aprocess, performed for example on the FIG. 11A-11C implementation (orwith modification on the FIG. 12 implementation), of detecting exampletrap bowl fill states, in a method for delivery of therapy gas to apatient in accordance with one or more embodiments. Referring to FIG. 13, operations in the flow 1300 can start at a start event 1302 and thenproceed to decision block 1304. Examples of a start event can includepowering on a therapeutic gas delivery system, such as the examplesystem 1400 that will be described in reference to FIG. 14 . In anaspect, operations in the start event 1302 can include, for example,applying power to the optical transmitter/receiver 506 to emit the beamCLB. Flow 1300 can proceed from decision block 1304 according to whetherany of the optical sensors received a signal. Referring to FIGS.11A-11C, a failure to receive a signal at any of the first opticalsensor 506, second optical sensor 1102 or third optical sensor 1304 canindicate a system failure. Accordingly, upon receiving a “NO” atdecision block 1304, the flow 1300 can proceed to 1306 and notify a useror attendant of a need for servicing.

Referring to FIG. 13 , assuming a “YES” at decision block 1304, the flow1300 can proceed to decision block 1308. In an aspect, operations atdecision block 1308 can include checking whether more than one of theoptical sensors indicates receipt of a light beam. For example, assumingthe set optical sensors to be the first optical sensor 506, secondoptical sensor 1102, and third optical sensor 1104, operations caninclude checking to determine if two or more of the set indicatesreceipt of a light beam. If the answer at 1308 is “YES” the flow 1300can proceed to 1306 and, for example, notify the user or attendant of aneed for servicing. If the answer at 1308 is “NO,” the flow 1300 canproceed to 1310, where operations can determine whether the firstoptical sensor (e.g., the optical transmitter/receiver 506) has receiveda light beam. Referring to FIGS. 11A-11B, if the answer at 1301 is“YES,” the flow 1300 has effectively determined that the trap bowl(e.g., trap bowl 502) is properly installed and at an operational filllevel (i.e., has remaining capacity to receive liquid droplets LD). Inresponse, the flow 1300 can proceed to 1312 and perform operations ofreceiving a sample gas, e.g., from the therapeutic gas being deliveredto the patient, then return to 1310 to determine whether the reflectedlight beam is still being received (e.g., by the first optical sensor506).

Continuing to refer to FIG. 13 , if the initial answer at the answer at1310 is “NO” or becomes “NO” during any iteration of the 1310-1312 loop,the flow 1300 proceed to decision block 1314. Operations at 1314 caninclude determining whether the second optical sensor (e.g., secondoptical sensor 1102) is receiving a light beam. Referring to FIG. 11B,if the answer at 1314 is “YES,” the flow 1300 has determined that thetrap bowl (e.g., trap bowl 502) is properly installed, but anover-maximum fill state. Accordingly, the flow 1300 can proceed to 1316notify a user or attendant to empty the trap container, e.g., remove thetrap bowl 502, empty it, and re-install it. The flow 1300 can thenreturn to 1304 and repeat operations described above.

If, however, the answer at 1314 is “NO,” the flow 1300 can proceed to1318 and determine whether a light beam is being received at the thirdoptical sensor (e.g., at the third optical sensor 1104). Referring toFIG. 11C, if the answer at 1318 is “YES,” the flow 1300 has determinedthat the trap bowl (e.g., trap bowl 502) is either missing, orimproperly installed (e.g., is rotated as shown in FIG. 11C).Accordingly, the flow 1300 can proceed to 1320 and notify a user orattendant that the trap=bowl (e.g., trap bowl 502) is either missing, orimproperly installed. The flow 1300 can, for example, await indicationat 1320 (e.g., detecting the user or attendant pressing an interfacebutton) that the trap bowl has been properly installed, the flow 300 canreturn to 1304.

FIG. 14 illustratively depicts aspects of one exemplary implementationof a filter and level detecting trap assembly in a breathing gas supplyapparatus, in accordance with one or more embodiments. This exemplaryimplementation relates to a breathing apparatus, and does not limit theother various implementations of filter assemblies according to thisdisclosure. Referring to FIG. 14 , an apparatus 1400 is used with aventilator 1410. A supply 1412 of supplemental or additive gas such asNO provides a supply to conduit 1414 and leads to a valve 1416 whichmay, also be connected to the ventilator 1410. At any stage of breathinggas supply, other additional breathing materials such as nebulized drugsmay be provided into a stream that travels via conduit 1420. Acontroller 1418 may actuate valves to control the ratio of NO andnebulized drags to the mixture gas in conduit 1420. A patient inhalesthe content of conduit 1420 which may be considered as an inspiratorylimb. The patients exhale or excess gas may be considered as anexpiratory limb conduit 1422.

In this example, a conduit 1424 is in fluid communication with theinspiratory limb and may be referred to as a sample gas line. A filterand trap assembly 1426 receives some or all of the sample gas. In anaspect, filter trap assembly 1426 may correspond to a filter and trapassembly 1100 such as described above. After being filtered by thefilter trap assembly 1326, the gas is passed to a gas sampling system1428, and may exhaust via exhaust outlet 1430.

The foregoing detailed descriptions are presented to enable any personskilled in the art to make and use the disclosed subject matter. Forpurposes of explanation, specific nomenclature is set forth to provide athorough understanding. However, it will be apparent to one skilled inthe art that these specific details are not required to practice thedisclosed subject matter. Descriptions of specific applications areprovided only as representative examples. Various modifications to thedisclosed implementations will be readily apparent to one skilled in theart, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to otherimplementations and applications without departing from the scope ofthis disclosure. The sequences of operations described herein are merelyexamples, and the sequences of operations are not limited to those setforth herein, but may be changed as will be apparent to one of ordinaryskill in the art, with the exception of operations necessarily occurringin a certain order. Also, description of functions and constructionsthat are well known to one of ordinary skill in the art may be omittedfor increased clarity and conciseness. This disclosure is not intendedto be limited to the implementations shown, but is to be accorded thewidest possible scope consistent with the principles and featuresdisclosed herein.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made to the methods and systems ofthe present description without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe description. Thus, it is intended that the present descriptioninclude modifications and variations that are within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

It will be understood that any of the steps described can be rearranged,separated, and/or combined without deviated from the scope of theinvention. For ease, steps are, at times, presented sequentially. Thisis merely for ease and is in no way meant to be a limitation. Further,it will be understood that any of the elements and/or embodiments of theinvention described can be rearranged, separated, and/or combinedwithout deviated from the scope of the invention. For ease, variouselements are described, at times, separately. This is merely for easeand is in no way meant to be a limitation.

The separation of various system components in the examples describedabove should not be understood as requiring such separation in allexamples, and it should be understood that the described components andsystems can generally be integrated together in a single packaged intomultiple systems and/or multiple components. It is understood thatvarious modifications may be made therein and that the subject matterdisclosed herein may be implemented in various forms and examples, andthat the teachings may be applied in numerous applications, only some ofwhich have been described herein. Unless otherwise stated, allmeasurements, values, ratings, positions, magnitudes, sizes, and otherspecifications that are set forth in this specification, including inthe claims that follow, are approximate, not exact. They are intended tohave a reasonable range that is consistent with the functions to whichthey relate and with what is customary in the art to which they pertain.

Although the invention herein has been described with reference toparticular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodimentsare merely illustrative of the principles and applications of thepresent invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art thatvarious modifications and variations can be made to the method andapparatus of the present invention without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present inventioninclude modifications and variations that are within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A filter trap apparatus, comprising: a trap bowlconfigured to accumulate liquid droplets from a filter, as a liquidcontent, the trap bowl comprising a section that extends in a verticaldirection, and a transparent vertical prism, the transparent verticalprism including a face that forms a vertical transparent surface facingagainst a content of the section, the face having a first angle of totalreflection when the content of the section is a gas, and a second angleof total reflection when the content of the section is the liquidcontent; a light source, configured to emit a light beam incident on theface at an angle of incidence; a first optical receiver, wherein thefirst optical receiver is a light receiver, wherein the angle ofincidence results in reflection of the light beam, striking the firstoptical receiver, when the face has the first angle of total reflection,and results in refraction of the light beam, missing the first opticalreceiver, when the face has the second angle of total reflection; asecond optical receiver, wherein the second optical receiver is anoffset optical receiver from the first optical receiver; and a thirdoptical receiver, wherein the third optical receiver is a diametricallyopposed optical receiver from the first optical receiver; wherein thefirst optical receiver, the second optical receiver, and the thirdoptical receiver are on a same plane that is normal to a verticallyextending center axis of the trap bowl.
 2. The filter trap apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the first optical receiver is a receiver element of anoptic emitter/receiver, and the light source is an emitter element ofthe optic emitter/receiver.
 3. The filter trap apparatus of claim 2,further comprising an adjustable emitter/receiver support, theadjustable emitter/receiver support including a support elementconfigured to attach to the optic emitter/receiver, and a selectivelyactuated elevating support that supports the optic emitter/receiver at aselective elevation in the vertical direction.
 4. The filter trapapparatus of claim 1, wherein the face is a first face, and the verticaltransparent surface is a first vertical transparent surface, wherein thetransparent vertical prism further comprises a second face, wherein thesecond face forms a second vertical transparent surface facing againstthe content of the section, the second face having the first angle oftotal reflection when the content of the section is the gas, and thesecond angle of total reflection when the content of the section is theliquid content.
 5. The filter trap apparatus of claim 4, wherein thefirst face and the second face intersect at a vertex, the vertex beingvertical, wherein an included angle is arranged symmetrically about areference bisector line the extends outwardly, in a radial direction,from the vertex.
 6. The filter trap apparatus of claim 5, wherein thelight source is configured to emit the light beam as a collimated lightbeam, and to emit the collimated light beam in a direction approximatelyparallel to the reference bisector line.
 7. The filter trap apparatus ofclaim 6, wherein the included angle is about 90 degrees and thecollimated light beam strikes a first gas with an angle of incidence ofabout 45 degrees.
 8. The filter trap apparatus of claim 1, wherein thetransparent vertical prism is made of polycarbonate.